Carl Crawford says fan racially taunted him during rehab game

Associated Press file photoBoston outfielder Carl Crawford, who has yet to play a game for the Red Sox in 2012 due to injuries, says a fan used racial slurs to taunt him during a rehab game at Portland Thursday.

Carl Crawford says a fan uttered a "racial slur" at him during Crawford's rehab assignment game with Double-A Portland on Thursday, according to ESPNBoston.com.

The fan reportedly heckled Crawford during every at-bat he had during the game. Crawford went 1-for-4 with a triple.

"Talking about that guy, he actually called me a racial slur to begin the game," said Crawford. "He was the only one I had a problem with. People in Boston don't even do that. So I don't know what that was about. It's not that bad in Boston, like that."

Crawford also heard some other ribbing from fans, according to ESPNBoston.com. At one point, Crawford, walking back to his position after a home run, appeared to stop, turn and wave his glove towards fans in a dissatisfied manner.

Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract in December of 2010, but struggled to live up to that deal, hitting only .255 last season.

"I can understand why people can be upset about me signing a contract and me having the kind of year I had," Crawford said. "I understand, you know? They love their team. They want you to produce when you sign a contract like that. I can't be mad at them. All I can do is get ready to play this year and try to produce."

Boston's starting left fielder has yet to play a game in the majors this season due to a wrist injury and a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.